How to Self Publish a Book on AuthorHouse in 2026

You’ve poured your heart, soul, and countless hours into your manuscript. The story is told, the research is complete, and the final period is in place. Now, you stand at a pivotal crossroads: how do you transform this document into a professionally published book that can be held, read, and shared? This question leads many aspiring authors to the world of self-publishing, a vast and often confusing landscape. In this realm, one of the most prominent names you’ll encounter is AuthorHouse.

As a major player in the “assisted self-publishing” industry, AuthorHouse promises a streamlined path to publication, offering a suite of services designed to handle the technical heavy lifting for you. But what does this process truly entail? What are the costs, the benefits, and the potential pitfalls? Is it the right partner for your authorial journey?

This comprehensive guide will pull back the curtain on AuthorHouse. We will dissect their business model, analyze their publishing packages, walk through their step-by-step process, and present an unbiased look at the pros and cons. Our goal is to equip you with the in-depth knowledge required to make an informed, confident decision about the future of your book.

What is AuthorHouse? A Look Beyond the Marketing

To understand AuthorHouse, you must first understand the category it occupies: assisted self-publishing. Unlike traditional publishing, where a publisher acquires the rights to your book and invests in its production, AuthorHouse operates on a service model. In short, authors pay AuthorHouse to produce, distribute, and market their book. You are the client, purchasing a package of services to bring your book to life.

This model is distinct from Do-It-Yourself (DIY) platforms like Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), where authors manage the entire process themselves using the platform’s free tools. AuthorHouse aims to be a one-stop-shop, guiding authors who may lack the time, technical skills, or desire to navigate the complexities of formatting, cover design, and distribution on their own.

From Assisted Self-Publishing to a Division of Author Solutions

AuthorHouse was founded in 1997 and has grown to become one of the largest self-publishing service providers globally. It’s crucial to note that AuthorHouse is a key brand under the umbrella of Author Solutions, Inc. (ASI). ASI is a dominant force in the industry, owning other well-known imprints like iUniverse, Xlibris, and Trafford Publishing.

This association is significant because Author Solutions has faced its share of industry criticism, particularly regarding its sales practices and the value proposition of its high-priced marketing packages. Understanding that AuthorHouse is part of this larger entity provides essential context for any author considering their services. While often labeled a “vanity press,” the more accurate term is “assisted self-publishing” or “publishing services company,” as they provide a tangible suite of services for a fee, leaving the author to shoulder all financial risk.

A Detailed Breakdown of AuthorHouse Publishing Packages and Costs

This is where most authors focus their attention, and for good reason. The financial investment is significant, and understanding what you get for your money is paramount. AuthorHouse packages its services into tiered bundles, with costs escalating based on the level of support and the number of included features. It’s important to note that specific pricing is often not listed transparently on their website; it typically requires a direct consultation with a sales representative.

Core Publishing Packages

While the names and specifics of packages can change, they generally follow a tiered structure from basic to premium. Here’s a typical breakdown of what you might find:

• Entry-Level Packages (e.g., Foundation, Clarion): These are the most basic offerings, often costing several thousand dollars. They typically include the bare essentials to get your book into the market, such as an ISBN, basic cover design (from a template), standard interior formatting, print-on-demand (POD) setup, and distribution to major online retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
• Mid-Tier Packages (e.g., Keystone): These packages build upon the basic services, adding features like more customized cover design options, a higher number of included author copies, more interior design complexity, and perhaps a press release or other basic marketing materials. The cost increases substantially.
• Premium/Full-Service Packages (e.g., Apex, Pinnacle): At the highest end, these packages bundle extensive services. They might include editorial assessments, copyediting, more advanced marketing tools (like video trailers or web design), and eligibility for special catalogs or bookstore returnability programs. These packages can easily run into five-figure sums.

The Escalating Costs: Add-On Services and Upgrades

The initial package price is rarely the final cost. A core part of the AuthorHouse business model involves upselling authors on a vast menu of à la carte services. This is a critical point of contention for many former clients. During the publishing process, you will likely be offered numerous upgrades, including:

• Editorial Services: From basic proofreading to in-depth developmental editing, each level of service comes with a hefty price tag.
• Marketing and Publicity: This is the most extensive and expensive category of add-ons. Services can range from social media campaigns and email marketing to paid book reviews and press release distribution, with costs soaring into the tens of thousands for some packages.
• Design Services: Want a truly unique cover instead of a template? Need complex interior graphics or illustrations? These will be additional charges.
• Format and Distribution Add-ons: Services like audiobook production, hardcover editions, or expanded international distribution come at an extra cost.

Reading the Fine Print: Royalty Structures and Book Pricing

Beyond the upfront fees, it’s vital to understand the long-term financial implications. AuthorHouse’s royalty structure is generally less favorable to authors than DIY platforms. After the retailer (like Amazon) takes its cut and AuthorHouse takes its share (including print costs), the author’s per-book earning is often quite small.

Furthermore, because of the production costs embedded in the AuthorHouse model, the final retail price of your book will likely be higher than a book published via KDP or IngramSpark. A higher price point can be a significant barrier for potential readers, making it harder to compete in a crowded marketplace.

The AuthorHouse Self-Publishing Process: A Step-by-Step Walkthrough

If you choose to move forward, the process is structured to guide you from manuscript to market. Here is a general overview of the steps involved.

1. Initial Consultation and Package Selection: Your journey begins with a call from a publishing consultant (a salesperson). You’ll discuss your book, your goals, and be guided toward a publishing package that fits their assessment of your needs and budget.
2. Manuscript Submission and Formatting: Once you’ve paid and signed the contract, you will submit your final manuscript in a standard format like a Microsoft Word document. Their team will then handle the interior formatting, converting your text into a professional book layout.
3. Cover and Interior Design: You will work with a design team to create your book cover. Depending on your package, this may involve choosing from templates or having a more collaborative, custom design process. You will review and approve proofs of both the interior layout and the cover.
4. The Editing Phase (if purchased): If you’ve paid for editorial services, your manuscript will be sent to an editor. It’s crucial to understand what level of editing you’ve purchased—a light copyedit is very different from a substantive content edit.
5. Final Approval and Printing: After all design and editorial changes are made, you will give final approval. The files are then set up for print-on-demand (POD). This means books are printed one at a time as they are ordered, so there is no need to pay for a large inventory upfront.
6. Distribution and Post-Launch Marketing: Your book will be assigned an ISBN and distributed to online retail channels. If you purchased marketing services, this is when those campaigns will begin to roll out. From here, you receive royalty payments for any copies sold.

The Unvarnished Truth: Pros and Cons of Publishing with AuthorHouse

No publishing path is perfect. To make an educated choice, you need a balanced view of what AuthorHouse offers—both the good and the bad.

The Potential Advantages of Using AuthorHouse

• All-in-One Service and Convenience: For authors who are overwhelmed by the technical aspects of publishing, AuthorHouse offers a single point of contact to handle everything. This can be appealing if you have more money than time.
• Dedicated Support: You are typically assigned a publishing consultant or coordinator who acts as your guide through the process, which can be reassuring for first-time authors.
• Broad Distribution Network: They provide access to major online distribution channels (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc.) without you needing to set up individual accounts.
• Professional Production: For a fee, they handle the complex tasks of professional formatting and cover design, resulting in a book that looks and feels professional.

Common Criticisms and Disadvantages to Consider

• Extremely High Costs: The primary drawback is the cost. You can often achieve the same or better results for a fraction of the price by hiring freelance professionals (editor, designer, formatter) and using a platform like KDP or IngramSpark.
• Aggressive Upselling: Many authors report feeling pressured by sales representatives to purchase expensive and often ineffective marketing packages.
• Concerns Over Quality: While they offer professional services, the quality can be inconsistent. There are reports of subpar editing and generic cover designs that don’t match the high price tag.
• Low Royalty Payouts: The royalty structure means you earn significantly less per book sold compared to direct-to-author platforms.
• High Retail Price: The resulting high price of your book can make it difficult to sell to readers who have countless cheaper options.
• Contractual Obligations: It is essential to read the contract carefully to understand who owns the print-ready files and what rights you retain. While you always keep your copyright, the terms regarding the production files can be restrictive.

Who Should Consider AuthorHouse (And Who Should Look Elsewhere)?

So, is there a right type of author for the AuthorHouse model?

The Ideal AuthorHouse Customer Might Be:

• An author with a significant budget who places a very high value on convenience.
• A business professional, speaker, or consultant who sees the book primarily as a “calling card” or marketing tool, where commercial sales are not the main goal.
• A hobbyist or family historian who simply wants to create a beautifully bound book for a small, private audience and is not concerned with ROI.

Authors Who Should Be Cautious and Explore Alternatives:

• Authors on a tight budget.
• Writers focused on building a long-term author career and maximizing their income from book sales.
• Authors who desire full creative control over every aspect of their book’s production.
• Tech-savvy individuals who are willing to learn the basics of DIY publishing platforms.

Exploring the Alternatives: Other Paths to Publication

AuthorHouse is just one option in a wide sea of publishing choices. It’s wise to consider the full spectrum before making a commitment.

The DIY Route: Amazon KDP and IngramSpark

Platforms like Amazon KDP and IngramSpark empower you to be your own publisher. You are in complete control of the entire process, from uploading your manuscript to setting your price.Pros: Maximum creative control, significantly higher royalty rates, and zero upfront cost for using the platform itself.Cons: A steeper learning curve. You are responsible for sourcing your own editing, cover design, and marketing.

Hiring a Professional Team: The Ghostwriting LLC Approach

A hybrid approach involves building your own professional publishing team. This is where a company like Ghostwriting LLC provides a premium alternative. Instead of buying a rigid package, you get a bespoke strategy. You can hire world-class editors, award-winning designers, and seasoned marketing strategists to create a book that rivals anything from a traditional press. This model combines the quality and expertise of traditional publishing with the ownership and control of self-publishing, ensuring your investment is directly tied to the quality of the final product, not to a sales-driven package.

Niche Platforms for Specific Formats

For certain types of projects, specialized platforms may be a better fit. For authors creating visual-heavy books like photo essays or magazines, platforms like MagCloud offer a different set of tools and advantages. Understanding these niche options is part of a comprehensive publishing strategy, much like what we’ve explored in our guide on how to self-publish a book on MagCloud. This illustrates that the best path is always the one tailored to your specific book’s needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About AuthorHouse

Is AuthorHouse a legitimate company?

Yes, AuthorHouse is a legitimate company that has been in business for over two decades and has published tens of thousands of books. They provide the services they sell. The debate in the industry is not about their legitimacy but about the value, cost, and effectiveness of those services.

How much does it cost to publish with AuthorHouse?

The cost varies widely depending on the package and add-ons selected. Expect to pay a minimum of several thousand dollars for a basic package, with costs easily exceeding $10,000 to $20,000 or more for packages that include extensive editorial and marketing services.

Do you keep the rights to your book with AuthorHouse?

Yes, you retain the copyright to your work when you publish with AuthorHouse. However, it’s essential to review the contract terms regarding the production files (the formatted interior and cover files), as you may not own them, which could make it difficult to move your book to another printer or platform later.

Is AuthorHouse a vanity press?

AuthorHouse is most accurately described as an “assisted self-publishing service” or a “publishing services company.” The term “vanity press” is often used pejoratively to describe companies where authors pay to have their book published, and it carries a stigma of low quality. While AuthorHouse operates on this pay-to-publish model, they provide a structured service package.

What are the main complaints about AuthorHouse?

The most common complaints revolve around high prices for services that can be acquired for less elsewhere, aggressive upselling tactics by sales staff, inconsistent quality in editing and design, and low royalty payments to authors.

Can you make money with AuthorHouse?

It is very difficult for most authors to turn a profit with AuthorHouse. Due to the high upfront investment, high book retail price, and low per-book royalty, you would need to sell an exceptionally large number of books just to break even, which is a challenge for any self-published author, especially without a strong existing platform.

Conclusion: Making the Right Publishing Choice for Your Book

Choosing a publishing partner is one of the most critical decisions you will make as an author. AuthorHouse presents a compelling proposition: a single, comprehensive solution to the daunting task of publishing a book. For a certain type of author—one with a large budget and a primary goal of convenience over commercial success—it can be a viable option.

However, for the majority of authors, particularly those building a career and seeking a return on their investment, the high costs, low royalties, and aggressive sales culture are significant red flags. The modern publishing landscape offers more empowering and profitable alternatives. Whether you choose the independent path of DIY platforms or elect to assemble a bespoke team of professionals, you can achieve a higher quality result with greater control and financial upside.

Your book is a monumental achievement. It deserves a launch strategy that aligns with your personal and financial goals. Take the time to weigh all your options, read every contract, and invest not just in your book, but in the path that gives it the greatest chance to succeed.

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Disclaimer: Ghostwriting LLC provides information for educational purposes only. Your own research is necessary, as we do not guarantee anything. Our services include publishing support, ghostwriting, marketing, and editing to help authors prepare their work for submission.